Brother Printer PT 1880 Manual

The Brother PT-1880 is a compact, portable label printer designed for creating professional-looking labels for home, office, and organizational use. It features a full keyboard, multiple tape cassettes, various font styles and sizes, frames, symbols, and a built-in cutter. Below are key sections covering setup, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. Loading the Tape Cassette 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Display 6. Basic Label Creation 7. Advanced Functions 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Compact printer body, QWERTY keyboard, LCD display, Tape cassette compartment, Power adapter port, Built-in cutter.

FeatureDescription
KeyboardFull QWERTY layout for easy text entry
LCD DisplayShows text, settings, and previews
Tape CassettesSupports multiple tape widths (e.g., 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Fonts & StylesMultiple fonts, sizes, and text styles (bold, underline, outline)
Frames & SymbolsBuilt-in decorative frames and symbols
Auto CutterCuts tape automatically after printing
Power SourceAC adapter or optional battery pack for portability
PortabilityCompact and lightweight design

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a clean, flat surface.

  1. Connect power: Plug the AC adapter into the printer and then into a wall outlet.
  2. Install batteries (optional): Insert 6 AA batteries for portable use.
  3. Load tape cassette: Open cassette cover and insert tape.
  4. Power on: Press the POWER button.

WARNING! Use only the recommended AC adapter. Keep away from liquids and extreme temperatures.

Loading the Tape Cassette

Ensure the printer is powered off before loading tape.

  1. Open the cassette cover by pressing the release button.
  2. Insert the tape cassette with the tape feeding from the bottom.
  3. Close the cover firmly until it clicks into place.
  4. Power on the printer. The display will show the tape width.

CAUTION! Do not force the cassette. Ensure it is properly aligned.

Specifications

Controls and Display

Access functions via the keyboard and menu system.

Front Panel: POWER, FUNCTION, SHIFT, SPACE, BACKSPACE, ENTER, Arrow keys, Font/Style keys.

Display Icons: Show tape width, battery status, font style, and text alignment.

Menu Functions: Font selection, Size adjustment, Style (bold, underline, frame), Symbol insertion, Print settings, Auto numbering, Memory recall.

Basic Label Creation

Creating a simple label in a few steps.

  1. Power on the printer and ensure tape is loaded.
  2. Type your text using the keyboard.
  3. Use the arrow keys to navigate and BACKSPACE to correct.
  4. Press FUNCTION to access font, size, and style options.
  5. Preview the label on the LCD display.
  6. Press PRINT to print the label. The cutter will automatically cut the tape.

Tip: Use the preview function to check label layout before printing.

Advanced Functions

Utilize advanced features for professional labels.

  1. Frames: Add decorative borders from the FUNCTION menu.
  2. Symbols: Insert symbols (arrows, warning signs, etc.).
  3. Auto Numbering: Print sequential numbers automatically.
  4. Mirror Printing: For creating iron-on labels.
  5. Memory Function: Store frequently used labels for quick recall.
  6. Text Effects: Apply underline, outline, or shadow effects.

WARNING! For iron-on tape, ensure you select the mirror function before printing.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the power adapter before cleaning. Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe the exterior. Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners.

Print Head Cleaning: Use a dry cotton swab to gently clean the print head if print quality declines.

Tape Path: Keep the tape path clear of debris.

CAUTION! Never touch the print head with sharp objects. Store in a cool, dry place.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Printer does not power onPower connection/batteriesCheck AC adapter connection; replace batteries if used.
No text appears on displayContrast settingAdjust display contrast via FUNCTION menu.
Tape does not feedCassette not loaded properlyPower off, reopen cassette cover, and reload tape correctly.
Poor print qualityDirty print head/old tapeClean print head; replace tape cassette if expired.
Label not cuttingCutter jamPower off, clear any tape debris from cutter area.
Incorrect characters printedLanguage settingCheck and set the correct language in the menu.

Reset: To reset all settings, press FUNCTION + POWER simultaneously for 3 seconds.

Service: 1-877-276-8437; www.brother-usa.com

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